APPLETON, Wis.–Community First Credit Union has received this year’s Corporate Citizenship Award in the large business category from the Fox Cities Chamber. The award recognizes organizations who have made a significant difference in the health and well-being of the Fox Cities through their giving and community involvement.
“Having banked with Community First since I was a child, I’ve always admired how they continue to find new ways to support and give back to its community in a variety of ways,” said Tiffany Woelfel of Davis|Kuelthau Attorneys at Law, who nominated the CU. “As a young professional, I’ve gotten to see in action how Community First encourages its employees to get involved. The company really puts the ‘community’ first in Community First Credit Union. They truly embody the Corporate Citizen Leadership Award and I’m excited to see the Chamber recognize their dedication,” she added.
In 2019, Community First contributed more than $1.7 million in financial support to 165 non-profit organizations throughout the communities they serve. An additional $1.7 million has been provided through in-kind donations throughout the region as well.
The CU supports a variety of causes, including financial literacy, arts/culture, health and wellness, community engagement, basic needs, education and the environment. One of their key performance indicators is community involvement with 73% of employees volunteering for a total of 17,670 hours.
“It is a great honor to share this award with our member-owners and employees who truly are the heart of our organization,” said Cathie Tierney, president/CEO. “It is a wonderful reflection of the power of the cooperative and people-helping-people spirit that is the hallmark of the credit union difference.”
Community First said it is guided by its We’ll Find A Way brand promise and by Meraki, a Greek-origin word meaning “to do something with heart, soul, love and creativity, and to leave something of yourself in your work.”
Community First CU distributes $20,000 in grants to four nonprofits to assist affordable housing opportunities
Grants Awarded
Separately, Community First Credit Union has awarded $20,000 in grants to four Northeastern Wisconsin nonprofits that offer affordable housing assistance to vulnerable populations hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding, made possible by a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB), was distributed by Community First to the following nonprofits, which each received $5,000:
- Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity
- Green Bay Area Habitat for Humanity
- Manitowoc County Habitat for Humanity
- COTS, Inc. – Oshkosh women’s shelter
“In the midst of COVID-19 as nonprofits face increased challenges, we are happy to provide these funds to help make a difference for individuals and families in the communities where our member-owners live and work,” said Tierney.